Draining the Haarlemmermeer was an immense undertaking. For three years great clouds of smoke hung from the chimneys of the three steam pumping stations built for this gigantic task, Leeghwater, Lynden and Cruquius. Many years ago Cruquius was finally retired. The work was taken over by more modern pumps. After a period on stand-by Cruquius finally became redundant in 1932. An initiative was taken by the Koninklijk lnstituut van Ingenieurs to preserve it. And the Cruquius steam pumping station became an industrial monument, one of the first in the world. In 1991 the American Society of Mechanical Engineers designated the Cruquius steam drainage pumping station the 33rd International Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark. A fascinating story lies hidden in this imposing monument.

Read more on this original Cruquius website with information about the historical and technical aspects of polder drainage and Cornwall steam engines. Because the splendid Cruquius pumping station has the largest and one of the most beautiful Cornish engines, a large part of this website is devoted to this engine.